Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mission Viejo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with low priority
Pump track proposal for Lower Curtis
Resident Steve Polito recommended building a pump track like San Clemente's, noting the Lower Curtis project is on hold and its park funds could be redirected. The mayor said the idea will be passed to the next council.
2028 Olympics training boom in Mission Viejo
Council Members Ruesch and Goodell met with a Spanish canoe and kayak delegation — Spain fields 30 canoe teams and Chula Vista's training center is full. The teams toured the lake and Saddleback College and could make Mission Viejo their 2028 home base.
Barbadanes Park lighting and court relocation concerns
Former Mayor Greg Raths pressed the council on Barbadanes Park, slated for renovation in 2023 but untouched three years later. Vasquez responded that renovations require a council majority and priorities don't always align.
Homeschool Co-op Access to City Facilities
Three mothers from a local homeschool co-op asked the city to create a one-year pilot letting community education groups use the Norman P. Murray Center, since parks are distracting and school districts already get facility access.
Animal Services Vehicle and Wastewater Pump Replacement
The city bought a new 2027 Ford F-350 animal control truck and funding for a shelter wastewater pump replacement, totaling about $163,000 from the Animal Services Fund.
Senior Table Tennis Facility Space
A group of residents delivered a petition asking for more days and larger rooms for senior table tennis, citing research on brain health. Council Member Ruesch requested a detailed report on the program.
Cooling Center Outreach During Heat Wave
A resident asked the city to publicize cooling centers for vulnerable residents during the heat wave; staff confirmed notices have gone out and will be sent again.
Leptospirosis pet health threat
A resident's dog died of leptospirosis; he asked the city to raise awareness, push vet vaccination, and study the disease's spread in local greenbelts.
America 250 parade participation dispute
The city is bringing back parades for the nation's 250th birthday — July 11 along Marguerite Parkway, ending at the barbecue festival, with a possible Declaration of Independence reenactment to open it.
Senior Golf Cart Path Proposal
A resident proposed a half-mile golf cart path connecting the Palmia and Casa del Sol senior communities to the nearby shopping center, citing senior independence, safety, and potential federal grants.
Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP)
The city awarded a $250,000 contract to install debris screens on catch basins, funded by an environmental cleanup grant and gas tax money, to keep trash out of local waterways.
Proposed park ranger position for the north parklands
Resident Tom Moore asked the city to create a park ranger position covering the area bounded by Marguerite, Alicia, Olympia, and Oso, to delineate public lands and build K-12 and college research partnerships.
First Amendment auditor activity in public spaces
Sheriff's Capt. Ivins explained that filming in public is legal, residents don't have to engage, and the sheriff should only be called for actual crimes. Council members asked follow-ups about private parking lots and filming children.
Flag-lowering and memorial message protocol
Rich Pulliam asked the city to post a memorial message and lower flags for Renee Good and Alex Pretti, noting the Charlie Kirk precedent. City Manager Lister explained the city only lowers flags when the White House directs, and the message board explains why.